SAN DIEGO — A CBS announcer has apologized to a Polish-born Gonzaga player for using a derogatory term while describing the defense Oklahoma State was using against Przemek Karnowski.

In an effort to make a comeback in the second half, Oklahoma State started deliberately fouling Karnowski, who is a poor free throw shooter. Andrew Catalon, the play-by-play announcer for the game, called the strategy "Hack-a-Polack."

Catalon's broadcasting partner, former NBA player Mike Gminski, who is of Polish descent, immediately responded, "Easy now," and chuckled at the comment.

Catalon apologized on the air for using the term, and then found Karnowski after the game to apologize to him personally.

Karnowski tweets that he appreciated the apology.

A CBS spokeswoman says Catalon will be calling games when they resume on Sunday in San Diego.

Comments

I guess it's OK if it's only based on national heritage and not color or race or religion. Otherwise we would be hearing about it from the ACLU, etc. Hack a black, Hack a Jew, now THAT would never fly.... We know there has never been discrimination against poles for any reason.

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